Peripheral Artery Disease Treatment in Cary, NC

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, is a common circulatory condition where over time plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries, forcing the arteries to narrow and constrict blood flow to the legs and feet.

This can cause significant pain in the leg as there is not enough blood flow. When walking, the pain can be significant.

A medical scan showing the arteries of the lower body and legs. The blood vessels are highlighted in black against a light grayscale outline of the legs.

Why Choose Vascular Tree for PAD?

  • Limb-saving arterial procedures
  • Clear blockages without surgery using plaque lasers, balloons, and stents

Symptoms of PAD

Although it may be easy to diagnose symptoms of leg pain as just “a normal part of aging,” this pain could be an early sign of PAD. The most common symptoms of PAD may include:

  • Cold toes or feet
  • Dry, discolored skin
  • Pain while walking
  • Leg pain at nighttime
  • Feeling like your leg is heavy
  • Numbness or burning sensation
  • Wounds and bruises that won’t heal
  • Black areas on your feet or toes (otherwise known as Gangrene)

Treatment Options for PAD

Typically, PAD is a treatable condition as long as it is caught and treated early. That’s why it’s important to consult with your doctor when you experience significant leg pain before it worsens.

If your PAD is not causing blood clots or another serious issue, your doctor will likely suggest a series of lifestyle changes that can help alleviate your PAD symptoms over time.

before PAD treatment
Before PAD treatment
after PAD treatment
After PAD treatment to open arteries

Suggested Lifestyle Changes

Quit Smoking

Unlike traditional surgery, treatment for PAD at Vascular Tree does not require incisions, which leads to less pain and quicker recovery times.

Adopt a Better Diet

Controlling diabetes and high cholesterol with your PCP can mitigate the risk of worsening PAD.

Take Small Strides Toward Exercise

Daily exercise such as walking can reduce the chance of acquiring PAD, and can also help reduce the worsening of PAD symptoms.

If your PAD is not able to be remedied via medications or exercise, or has reached a specific level of severity, your doctor may recommend a minimally invasive non-surgical treatment for PAD.

Minimally Invasive PAD Treatment

Angioplasty

Your Vascular Tree physician will insert a small catheter into the artery that is blocked or is restricting blood flow. On the tip of the catheter, a balloon will be expanded, creating a wider channel that allows the blood to pass freely. This is a very common form of treatment for PAD.

Atherectomy

Similar to an angioplasty, the atherectomy begins with a catheter inserted into the blocked or restricted area. However, instead of using a balloon, this procedure uses a small device to shave away the plaque that is blocking the artery and removes it from your body.

Stent Placement

Blockages in the leg arteries may require stents to keep them open. This is performed similarly as angioplasty, however in this case a stent remains to keep the artery open.

Traditional PAD Surgery

Bypass. This is often a last resort for PAD treatment, and is not typically discussed during the first stages of the treatment. If PAD is affecting major arteries, a bypass procedure may be warranted in order to allow blood to pass around the blocked or narrowed artery. 

Schedule a consultation to learn more about treatment options for PAD!

If you are looking for relief from leg pain due to PAD, please contact Vascular Tree in Cary, NC today at 919-378-1448.